Ben L.
Ben L.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $16 per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
OSU Student&Lifelong Pet Caretaker
What truly sets me apart from other sitters is my unique blend of lifelong pet ownership, formal training, and the capability to handle pets of all shapes and sizes. I have been surrounded by dogs, cats, and small animals since birth, which has given me an intuitive understanding of animal body language and care. Beyond casual pet ownership, I spent seven years as an active 4-H member, which instilled in me a deep sense of discipline, structure, and professional responsibility when it comes to animal management. At 250 pounds, I possess the physical strength and confidence required to safely handle larger or giant breeds that tend to pull on leashes, an area where many campus sitters struggle. Whether you have a tiny cat requiring gentle, patient drop-in visits, a senior dog needing a calm routine, or a massive breed that needs a firm and confident handler, my extensive 4-H background ensures your pet will be kept safe, structured, and happy.
Qualifications
Safety, trust & environment
Safety, structure, and respect are my top priorities when caring for a pet in a client's home. Because I have seven years of formal training through 4-H and have raised dogs, cats, and small animals my entire life, I know how to establish a calm, trusted bond with a pet while maintaining a secure environment. When house sitting, I strictly adhere to the owner's established routines, feeding schedules, and household rules to minimize any anxiety the pet might feel while their family is away. At 250 pounds, I am highly confident in my physical ability to maintain complete leash control on walks, even with large or giant breeds that tend to pull, ensuring every outdoor trip is safe and controlled. I am also extremely detail-oriented when it comes to home security. I make sure all doors and gates are securely locked, respect the client's privacy and property completely, and never allow unauthorized guests into the home without explicit, upfront permission. Whether I am handling a delicate cat drop-in or a weekend house sitting gig with a massive breed, pet parents can expect transparent communication, regular photo updates, and a safe, clean environment.
Ratings and reviews
Ben loves animals so much, and I would trust him with every single one of my pets! He is such a genuine, kind, and responsible person, and all of my animals absolutely adore him. He is patient, caring, and always makes sure the animals around him feel comfortable and loved. I’ve seen firsthand how naturally he connects with animals, and I know he would treat every dog he walks as if it were his own. I highly recommend Ben to anyone looking for someone trustworthy, dependable, and truly passionate about animals!
Ben has been surrounded by dogs, cats, and small animals since birth. He is an incredibly responsible and loving caregiver who naturally understands animal behavior. He has a great blend of physical strength for large breeds and genuine gentleness for smaller pets, making him a fantastic choice for any pet parent.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
Pet care fits perfectly into my routine because my schedule allows me to offer dedicated, high-quality care exactly when pet parents need it most. From Monday through Friday, I have large blocks of free time between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM (except Thursdays), which is the absolute peak window for mid-day dog walks and drop-in visits around the Ohio State University campus and surrounding neighborhoods. For overnight house sitting, I focus entirely on an alternating weekend schedule. Every other weekend, my schedule is completely clear of academic commitments. On these working weekends, my girlfriend visits me from out of town, allowing us to team up and provide constant companionship, regular updates, and double the care for your pet. I actively manage my calendar a month in advance, ensuring that any booking I accept receives my full, structured commitment.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsDogs over 1 year oldBen can host up to 3 drop-ins per day
- To provide the absolute best care across all services, I require a brief Meet-and-Greet prior to our first booking to review your pet's specific routines and behaviors. For overnight house sitting, it is essential for me to know their exact feeding schedules, food measurements, dietary restrictions, and veterinary emergency preferences. For dog walking and drop-in visits, I need to know their precise leash manners, including how they react to seeing other dogs, squirrels, or passing students on busy campus sidewalks. Please let me know if they use a specific collar, harness, or gentle leader, and if they have a history of slipping out of gear or pulling. Additionally, please share if they have any fear triggers like thunder or heavy traffic, where they prefer to hide when nervous, and if they require any medications. Finally, please provide clear home entry instructions, lockbox codes, or building gate keys, and let me know where you keep towels to wipe off muddy paws so I can keep your pet safe and your home perfectly clean.